In a thrilling encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 4, 2025, India secured their place in the Champions Trophy final by defeating Australia by four wickets. The match showcased high-quality cricket, with both teams displaying resilience and skill.
Australia’s Innings:
Winning the toss, Australia opted to bat first. Their innings began on a shaky note, losing Cooper Connolly early with just 4 runs on the board. However, Steve Smith (73) and Alex Carey (61) stabilized the innings, forging a crucial partnership. Despite their efforts, regular wickets hindered Australia’s momentum, and they were bowled out for 264 in 49.3 overs. Mohammed Shami was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 48 runs.
India’s Chase:
Chasing 265, India faced early setbacks, losing openers Shubman Gill (30) and Rohit Sharma (28) within the first eight overs. The responsibility then fell on Virat Kohli, who delivered a masterclass in batting. Kohli’s 84 runs anchored the innings, with valuable contributions from Shreyas Iyer (50) and KL Rahul, who remained unbeaten on 42. Despite Australia’s tight bowling and fielding lapses, India reached the target in 48.1 overs, finishing at 267/6.
Key Moments:
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Kohli’s Composure: Kohli’s innings was pivotal, especially after the early dismissals. His partnerships, particularly the 91-run stand with Iyer, were instrumental in India’s chase.
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Australian Fielding Lapses: Australia’s missed opportunities in the field, including dropped catches, proved costly and allowed India to build crucial partnerships.
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Shami’s Bowling: Shami’s disciplined bowling not only yielded key wickets but also restricted Australia’s scoring during crucial phases.
Aftermath:
With this victory, India advances to the final, where they will face the winner of the semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa. The team’s performance underscores their strong form and resilience, setting the stage for an exciting finale.
This match further intensifies the storied rivalry between India and Australia, adding another memorable chapter to their cricketing history.
